Leeds Castle Annual Staff Raft Race (07/06/2010)

The annual raft race organised by the social committee at Leeds Castle was once again a huge success. It was obvious that lots of time and trouble had been invested by the members of the eight rafts, not only in the rafts but also in the costumes worn by the participants. A few spots of rain were not enough to dampen the spirits of either the audience or those taking part. Each team had to collect a balloon from various points on the course. The winner was the ‘Icelandic Volcano’, which seemed at times to spew out more than the original. Many thanks to the participants and the committee for all their hard work making this event a success again.

Alice’s Caterpillar

Mad Hatter and a laid tea table

Leon in priest’s garb

The Leeds Kingswood scouts have a pre-race trial.

A young bystander gets a good shot with a water pistol …

… but Alice and her friends are still smiling.

Maid Marion and her champion arrive …

… and launch their craft with the help of Friar Tuck.

A fine figure!

The Indians are about …

… and prepare to launch their craft.

The children have their water pistols at the ready as Go Ape and Alice discuss strategy.

The Indians are boarding their craft.

Robin Hood and friends prepare to leave.

A push to get started

All aboard

The Indians know how to paddle.

Go Ape gets in a practice run

A wicked look from the water pistol owner

The Black Knights have still not left their mooring.

All are waiting for the bride …

… who has her blue garter in place.

Lining up for the start

The Black Knights just arrive in time.

The cannon fires for the start …

… and they are off.

The Icelandic volcano takes the lead …

… and the rest follow.

The Black Knights decide on a fight but the Icelandic Volcano team make a quick getaway.

They then attack the wedding party.

The field is spread out.

The Icelandic volcano team reaches the finishing post first.

Go Ape has collected all their balloons and the Indians are hard on their heels.

The Indians paddle back to shore.

In spite of being in permanent danger of sinking, Alice and friends have made it to the finish …